CRIMJ304:

Lesson 1: The History and Development of Security

Introduction

Lesson Overview

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce you to the long history of security, and how, through the ages, that history has shaped the development of the private security profession. To begin, the chapter defines security, which is followed by a discussion of how early societies sought to achieve individual (for self) and collective (for the community) security. Following this, the lesson provides a detailed description of the foundations of the private security profession in America. On the whole, this lesson is critical for understanding the connections between the origins of the need for security and the ways in which the security profession has matured. The discussion highlights the fact that security remains a key element of one's quality of life as highlighted in Maslow's well-known "Hierarchy of Needs," in which security is presented as the second layer of his pyramid (See Figure 1.1). In fact, in post-9/11, national security or homeland security represents one of the most pressing concerns of the 21st century. This, too, will be highlighted in the course.

Please click on each layer of the pyramid to reveal a description of each level of need.

The highest level of needs is concerned with self-awareness, personal growth and reaching one's full potential.

Include the need to feel good about oneself, a sense of personal worth and have social recognition and success.

Include the needs for belonging, love, and affection.

These needs are important for survival, but unlike the basic needs, one can physically survive without. These needs include a home, safe environment, steady employment, and health insurance.

The most basic needs of air, food, water, and sleep. All other needs are secondary to these basic and instinctual needs.

Figure 1.1 Maslow's pyramid

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Define the concept of security;
• Trace the historical development of security from ancient times to the present;
• Understand the move toward professionization of private security;
• Understand the scope and nature of Private Security in America.

Please complete readings and assignments as listed on the course schedule.